System for composition of symbols

ABSTRACT

A system for composition of symbols in inclusive of a first means for scanning a plurality of the symbols simultaneously. The system comprises a second means which is responsive to the first means for imaging the scanning of all the symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols. The system also provides for a third means which includes a computer system and which is in communication with the second means for automatically selecting the symbols in a predetermined order and placing the symbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselected composition of the symbols to be created. A fourth means is in communication with the third means for permanently recording the composition on a permanent medium. Symbols may be alternatively injected by a fifth means into the computer portion of the third means by utilization of a manual keyboard.

ited States Patent ODonnell et a]. [4 July 25, 1972 [s41 SYSTEM FORCOMPOSITION OF 3,336,497 8/1967 Osborne ..340/324 A x SYMBOLS 3,336,4988/1967 Castanera ..340/324 A X 3,349,172 [0 i967 Mauchel.... ..340 324 AX [721 lnvemm P 3,s0s,24s 451910 Purdy et al ........3' t0/324 APlatzelt, Whittier; James S. Sweeney, Beach Primary Examiner-David L.Timon [73] Assignee: North American Rockwell Corporation Attorney-L. LeeHumphries, H. Fredrick Hamann, Edward 22 Filed: May 4, 1910 and 21 Appl.No.: 34,232 [51] ABSTRACT A system for composition of symbols ininclusive of a first [5 2] U.S. Cl. ..340/324 A, 95/45 R, l78/6.7 R,means for scanning a plurality of the symbols simultaneously. 340/173 LMThe system comprises a second means which is responsive to [51] Int. Cl...G06i 3/14 the first means for imaging the scanning of all the symbols[58] Field of Sear h 3 0/ 173 M, 173 simultaneously and for sensing thescanned symbols. The 340/ l 3 L 5/ R system also provides for a thirdmeans which includes a computer system and which is in communicationwith the second References Cmd means for automatically selecting thesymbols in a predetermined order and placing the symbols inpredetermined loca- UNITED STATES PATENTS tions thereby enabling apreselected composition of the sym- 2,59S,646 5/l952 Doba et al..340/324 A X bols to be created. A fourth means is in communicationwith 2,830,235 9 Da is 6! al- ....340/ I73 L X the third means forpermanently recording the composition on 3,099,320 1963 Kelchledgem----3 L X a permanent medium. Symbols may be alternatively injected3,102,998 9/1963 Staehler ....340/1 73 LM by a means into the computerportion of the third means 3, l 82,5 74 5/1965 Fleisher El 3|. 95/4.5 byutilization ofa manual keyboard, 3,273,476 9/1966 Haynes ..l78/6.7 X3,324,346 6/ i967 Stone ..340/324 A X 16 Claims, 10 [having FlguresSCAN-SYNC gl oeo cm 52 ,l;

rzn- 5| 4| m 72b 40 ,sggrg SYMBOL SELECTOR MAKING CHANNEL] MEANS CHANNEL2 l5 CHANNEL I x- P tame mm a. mama 2 CHANNEL 2 t CH CMNNE I I7"cl'iblis BUFFER I 3u'|=r"qw|rs l gaw In??? y ORDER. swoon. wmuu. r..QFB fi COORDINATES H msmoav AND mum-:1. 2 can swans: mrur or gegggp 2ID COMPUTER 23 "AMML W K 0m W MW: 22 21 PATENTEJUL 25 972 SHEET 1 OF 4P'ATENTEMmzs I972 FIG sum u or 4 YES YES

STOP

CEDRIC F. O'DONE RICHARD C. PLATZEK BY JAMES S. SWEENEY AGENT SYSTEM FORCOMPOSITION OF SYMBOLS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of InventionThe invention relates to automated symbol composition by anoptical-electronic means utilizing a method for scanning all symbolssimultaneously and in accordance with a predetermined program and symbolorder to command a computer to arrange the symbols in desired fashionfor obtaining the required composition of the symbols.

2. Prior Art The development and widespread application of the digitalcomputer has spurred the development of terminal display equipment whichpresents the operator with the computer output data. The data usuallyconsists of alpha numeric data although the special symbols associatedwith computer generated maps, electronic drawings, aircraft plans,automobile design graphic arts are requiring masses increases in symbolcapacity.

The oldest method is one where the symbols are generated by theformation of lissajous patterns by a repetitive electronic generator.Positioning the symbol on the display is essentially independent of thesymbol generator. The disadvantages of this method are that each symbolwill require a separate electronic generator and the generation time maybe different for each symbol and changing a symbol repertoire requireschanging of the associated symbol generator circuitry.

A second symbol generation method is similar to the lissajous method butdepends upon the selection of stored stroke commands in such a timesequence that a symbol is generated. This approach is quite flexible andyields a symbol of excellent graphics quality. The stroke method isparticularly suited to symbols composed of straight line segments.However, curved lines introduce considerable complexity into both theaddressing and generation timing. This approach therefore requiresextensive buffer storage and refresh memory and is suitable primarilyfor displays requiring a limited number of symbols, 300 500symbols/second.

Another form of symbol generation utilizes electronic functiongenerators which in conjunction with the horizontal and verticaldeflection sweep signals are used to develop an on-off intensitymodulation signal in raster scan video. The disadvantages of symbolsgenerated in this way are that they are dependent upon the raster scanproperties of the display. Each character will require the fabricationof a complex electronic function generator and will require a new designfor a new symbol. Symbols written using circular or diagonal elementsare quite difficult to instrument. The number of symbols available isliterally dependent upon the number of function generators provided. Theprecision of symbol positioning is not high since the limit is reachedas a function of sweep linearity, raster stability and timing accuracy.This is generally a flexible but expensive methodology.

Another method of symbol generation uses a direct electronic analogue ofthe symbol where a symbol font is selected and read out directly. Thesesystems provide about 5,000 10,000 characters per second. However, thesymbols are difficult to change since a new font is constantly required.As a general rule, each symbol is generated on a serial basis as opposedto simultaneous generation.

A number of patents have been issued in this field but all have onedetriment or another insofar as high speed automatic composition isconcerned.

A patent for a Character Generator System, U. S. Pat. No. 3,324,346,although utilizing a cathode ray tube scanner of a font of characters,scans only a portion of the font rather than the entire font with theresult that all characters are not made simultaneously available forrapid electronic selection and composition.

A patent for a Cathode Ray Tube Display and Printer Controlled by CodedMask, U. S. Pat. No. 3,226,706 utilizes a flying spot scanner inconjunction with a mask on which characters are encoded in a digitalformat rather than utilizing a transparency of the actual character.Additionally, this patent too suffers from lack of making all characterssimultaneously available for selection.

A patent for a Modified Optical system for Off-Axis F lying- SpotScanners, U. S. Pat. No. 2,984,750 has a cathode ray scanner but employsmask-blades for maintaining equal light intensity over a scan period.This invention is directed principally to maintaining color balance andis not addressed to making available a plurality of characterssimultaneously for automated selection and composition thereof.

A patent for Selective lndicia Production, U. S. Pat. No. 2,907,018shows a character generator system utilizing three cathode ray tubes.Two of the cathode ray tubes are used to provide horizontal and verticalscan of two matrices and a third cathode ray tube is used to display thecharacter generator. The basic principle used in this patent is thelissajous pattern generation hereinabove stated rather than raster scangeneration.

A patent for a Character Synthesizer, U. S. Pat. No. 2,754,360 althoughusing a flying spot scanner, the system only generates one character ata time from one lens and hence does not make a plurality of charactersavailable simultaneously for rapid selection and composition.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The invention to be described here is unique inthat any and all symbols desired are electronically available at alltimes. All symbols are generated simultaneously and symbol selectionsare very simple. A cathode ray tube system with deflection, blanking,and synchronization electronics generates a constant raster pattern. Theraster pattern selected contains a number of lines consistent with thesymbol quality desired (usually about 24 lines). This pattern is viewedby each element of a matrix lens array, each element of the matrixcorresponding to a symbol of a matrix of symbols referred to herein as afont matrix.

The light rays emitted by the scanning cathode ray tube beam are imagedby a lens matrix on the symbol mask. Where the mask is transparent, thelight rays will energize the photosensitive element behind the mask.This electronic symbol will then provide a line of video correspondingto the line of scan as modulated by the transparent sections of thesymbol. The selection of the symbol to be displayed consists then simplyof closing an electronic switch thereby passing only the scanned symbolselected from a particular photosensitive element.

Synchronizing line scan sweep signals are provided by driving the scancathode ray tube and composing cathode ray tubes with thescan-sync-sweep generator. The symbol is positioned at its properlocation on the face of the composing cathode ray tubes by coordinatesautomatically produced by the data stored and acted thereon by thecomputer routines utilized. The input format program provides the symbolselection signal and the symbol position information. The symbolposition information is fed to the composing cathode ray tubes through acomputer system.

All symbols of a matrix font, are generated simultaneously and matrixfonts as desired may be readily interchanged in the system. In additionto the increased number of symbols providedfin a font matrix, and thedifferent symbols required and made possible by this invention, anadvantage offered is that the output scan rate of symbols match orexceed that of the digital computer to avoid excessive computer stand-bytime, and to have symbols ready for computer processing when atime-shared computer system is utilized.

in stipulating the advantages of this invention over prior art, it maybe summarized briefly as a system for composition of symbols, having agroup of subsystems which are comprised of first means of scanning aplurality of said symbols simultaneously, second means responsive tosaid first means for imaging the scanning of all said symbolssimultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols, and third meansincluding computer programmed equipment, computer programs and a digitalcomputer in communication with said second means for providing automaticselection of the symbols in a predetermined order and placing saidsymbols in predetermined locations thereby enabling a preselectedcomposition of said symbols.

The system also includes fourth means which retains at least one platetherein, and which is in communication with the third means forpermanently recording the composition on at least one plate in thefourth means.

The system also may have a fifth means as an input to said third meansfor providing a manual input of said symbols in a predetermined order,said third means providing the locations of the symbols inputted fromsaid fifth means for also enabling said preselected composition of saidsymbols.

The system for composition of symbols, may be operatively stated by thesequential steps of: (l) scanning a plurality of said symbolssimultaneously; (2) imaging said symbols simultaneously; (3)preselecting any of the imaged symbols; (4) positioning the preselectedimaged symbols in a predetermined composed order; (5) displaying thecomposed symbols, and/or (6) transferring the display of the composedsymbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. I is a schematic of a system forautomatic composition of symbols in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the font matrix storage subsystemutilized as a component portion of the system for automatic compositionof symbols, and including a lens matrix, a font matrix assembly, and aphotodetection as sembly. The photodetection assembly is arranged tohave as many individual photodetectors as are available in the fontmatrix assembly and is in registration with each symbol corresponding toa specific photodetector.

FIG. 3 is an inverse elevation plan view of the font matrix assemblyutilized as a component portion of the font matrix storage subsystem.

FIG. 4 is the lens matrix assembly, analogous to a flys eye orequivalent lens system, which has a plurality of lenses, each lensallocated to specifically align and register with one of the symbols ofthe font matrix assembly.

FIG. 5 is an optical schematic displaying a single line scan of thevideo scan tube or flying spot scanner and showing how that single linescan is imaged by all the individual lens elements of the lens matrix,thereby reproducing the scanned line in all the individual lens elementssimultaneously.

FIG. 6 shows two symbols of the font matrix and an example where thosesymbols are scanned by three different scan lines at three differenthorizontal locations of the symbols. The symbols are viewed from thedirection of the face of the video scan tube.

FIG. 7 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spotscanner scans at the top-most scan line location of the symbols. Theelectrical output pulses indicate the passing of light through specificportions of the symbol. Consequently no pulses will be present where thebackground of the symbol is opaque to light.

FIG. 8 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spotscanner scans with the second scan line in the center location of thesymbols.

FIG. 9 shows the electrical output pulses obtained when the flying spotscanner scans at the lower-most scan line location of the symbols.

FIG. 10 is a computer program in flowchart format showing the computerroutines utilized when the system for automatic composition of thesymbols requires a plurality of output channels so as to automaticallyprovide at least two different compositions or a multiplicity of thesame composition simultaneously.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT Theory O Operation The number of symbols that canbe simultaneously presented for selection is a function of the slowestoperating component in the system. Typical operating periods of thecritical system components and other related parameters are given inTable 1 below:

The phosphor decay time is defined to be the time necessary for thephosphor brightness to decay to 30 percent of the original brightness,since each resolution element must be spaced sufiiciently far apart intime that the phosphor excitation from the previous trace has decayed toa level that will not excite the photodetector at the time that thescanning beam passes through the next aperture. A conservative estimateindicates that this decay time will be in the region of 0.1 X 10 secondsif video thresholding is employed.

The time required to scan a frame or a symbol, in accordance with thisinvention and all the symbols in the font matrix, since all such symbolsare simultaneously imaged and scanned, is given by the equation:

where T,= symbol scan time in seconds/symbol T, phosphor of CRT decaytime to the 30 percent level in seconds/resolution element N,= number ofresolution elements/line N number of lines/symbol 1 retrace timeinternal to the cathode ray tube in seconds/symbol Utilizing the typicalnumbers assigned in Table l:

T,= 67.75 X 10" seconds/symbol Hence, the number of symbols per secondfor the system under the typical values assigned are:

N l/T,= [4,800 symbols/seconds.

In order to avoid flicker due to the optical components used, arepetition rate of the scan of 30 cycles per second is required.Therefore, the total number of symbol rate possible for a single displayis:

S, N/Repetition Rate 14,800/ 30 490 symbols/second.

The scanner cathode ray tube does not need to be accurate in any waywince it is used only as a time sampling exposure device. The positionaccuracy of the symbol then is a function of the position accuracy ofthe display cathode ray tube system.

An inexpensive electro-optical system employing a cathode ray tubeexposure system generates all symbols simultaneously. All symbols fordisplay are selected uniquely by a digital process and displayed on aremote cathode ray tube far more rapidly than any existing symbolgenerator.

Further, the generator system can drive as many separate display unitsas desired, each with a separate format. The

number of symbols to be used may be easily changed and the insertion ofspecial font matrices unique to a particular user is possible. In thissystem, there is no limit to the symbol configuration to be employed.The quality of the reproduced symbol is essentially dictated by thechoice of the user since the greater the number of scan lines persymbol, the greater will be the quality of the composition on the CRTdisplay tube, although done at the expense of reducing the symbol rate.Interrelationships of Component Portions of the System Referring toFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a system for automatic composition of symbols isdisplayed in schematic form. This system utilizes among other things adigital computer of which main memory and related circuits of thedigital computer are shown at 10. This system will be discussed inrelationship to providing two data input channels. Data input means' forchannel l is shown at 11. Input means 11 comprises a source for datastorage inclusive of symbolic order of the data and required symbollocations. Input means 11 is shown connected to OR logic gate 13. It isto be appreciated that the data as stored in connection with means 11,could be manually inputted into the system by means of manual datakeyboard 17 for channel 1. Keyboard input 17 hence would be connected toOR gate 13, the output of OR gate 13 being connected to main memory ofthe digital computer.

Data input means for channel 2 is shown at 21. Input means 21 comprisesa source for data storage inclusive of symbolic order of data andrequired symbol locations. Input means 21 is shown connected to OR logicgate 23. It is to be appreciated that the data as stored in connectionwith means 21 could be manually inputted into the system by means ofmanual data keyboard 27 for channel 2. Keyboard 27 hence would beconnected to OR gate 23, the output of OR gate 23 being connected tomain memory 10 of the digital computer.

Therefore, data storage means 11 or 21 are in input relationship to thecomputer means for storing symbol data in said computer means, saidcomputer means including symbol posi tioning means and symbol selectionmeans for automatically directing execution of the functions of thesystems.

Computer routine input means for channel 1 is shown at 12, the outputthereof being connected to the input of main memory 10. Computer routineinput means for channel 2 is shown at 22, the output thereof beingconnected to the input of main memory 10.

The output of main memory 10 is connected to the input channel 1 buffercircuits and amplifiers of the computer as at 14. Likewise, the outputof main memory 10 is connected to the input of channel 2 buffer circuitsand amplifiers of the computer as at 24.

The output of buffer 14 is connected to the input of symbol selector 15for channel 1 of the computer. Also, another output of buffer 14 isconnected to the input of X-Y symbol positioner 16 of channel 1 of thecomputer.

The output of buffer 24 is connected to the input of symbol selector 25for channel 2 of the computer. Also, another output of buffer 24 isconnected to the input of X-Y symbol positioner 26 of channel 2 of thecomputer.

The third means as above stated, includes means 15 and 25 for providingselection of at least one of the plurality of symbols, and means 12, 22,10, 16, and 26 for determining the proper symbol position of thepreselected composition of the symbols.

A sweep generator is shown at 30 for providing inputs to the flying spotscanning subsystem and to the cathode ray tube display system, forsynchronizing the scanning sweep with the display sweep.

One output of sweep generator 30 is thereby connected to the input ofvideo scan circuit as at 31. The outputs of scan circuits at 31 areconnected to the input of scanner tube 32. The video scan circuits areconventional as might be common to a television scanner and hence neednot be discussed.

Therefore, as above stated, the first means includes, video scancircuits 31, and a video scan tube 32.

Font matrix storage system is shown at 40 in spatial relationship withthe respect to the face of scan tube 32. System 40 is comprised of fontmatrix 41, positioned between lens matrix assembly 33 and photodetectionassembly 51. It is appreciated that in any specific font matrix one mayhave one-hundred or more symbols, but for convenience of illustrationonly four symbols such as 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d have been depicted inthe illustrated font matrix 41. Corresponding to those symbols areindividual photodetectors 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d. Also corresponding tothose symbols are corresponding lens elements 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d oflens assembly 33.

Photodetection assembly 51 is comprised of transparent support structure53 for mounting the individual photodetectors sensors 52a, 52b, 52c, and52d thereon. Photodetector 52a output is electrically connected to theinput of the electronic switch 62a and to input of electronic switch72a. Photodetector sensor 52b output is electrically connected to theinput of the electronic switch 62b and to the input of the electronicswitch 7212. Sensor 52c output is electrically connected to the input ofthe electronic switch 62c and to the input of the electronic switch 72c.Sensor 52d output is electrically connected to the input of theelectronic switch 62d and to the input of electronic switch 72d.

The output of the symbol selector 15 for channel 1 has individualoutputs to each of the switches 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d for the purposeof closing any of those switches upon proper computer command. Theoutput of the symbol selector 25 for channel 2 has individual outputs toeach of the switches 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d for the purpose of closingany of those switches upon proper computer command.

All outputs of switches 62a, 62b, 62c, and 62d are electricallyconnected together and fed into the input of video view circuits 81 forchannel 1. The outputs of switches 72a, 72b, 72c, and 72d are allelectrically connected together and fed into the input of video viewcircuits 91 for channel 2.

The third means also includes switch means 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d, 72a, 72b,72c, and 72d comprising a plurality of switches and connected betweenthe sensing matrix and video display means for providing selectabilityof any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with the sequence ofactivation of any of the switches of said switch means.

The switch means is responsive to commands issued by said symbolselection means for selection of any of said symbols.

The output of X-Y symbol positioner 16 is connected to the input ofvideo view circuits 81 of channel 1. Similarly the output of )(Y symbolpositioner 26 is connected to the input of video view circuits 91 forchannel 2.

The output of sweep scanner synchronizer 30 is connected to the inputsof video view circuits 81 and 91 for synchronizing the video sweepsdisplayed on the respective cathode ray display tubes with the sweepprovided by scanner tube 32.

Finally, the output of the video view circuits 8] are connected tocathode ray display tube 82 for channel 1. Similarly, the output ofvideo view circuits 91 are connected to cathode ray display tube 92 forchannel 2.

Hence, the third means includes video view circuit means 81 and 91,video display tube means 82 and 92, and synchronizing means 30 connectedto the video scan circuits and to the video view circuit means forsynchronizing the scanning of the video scan tube with the video displaytube means. Hence, displays as composed on the face of display tubes 82and 92 will be photographed or otherwise optically transferred to platesor photograph making means 83a, 83b, 93a or 93b provided respectively incomposing plate or photography means 83 or 93 of channels 1 and 2,respectively.

It should be noted that an auxiliary computer storage means is inherentto and may be part of digital computer 10, so that data can betransferred from main core memory to the auxiliary storage as desired,or upon composition of a given set of symbols in readiness for beingcalled upon to display the composition on particular display tubes 82and/or 92.

The fourth means will be comprised of means 83 and 93 retaining at leastone plate therein such as 83a, 83b, or 93a,

93b, in communication with the third means for permanently recording thepreselected composition on said at least one plate.

The plurality of plates 83a, 83b, 93a, 93b may be identical in terms ofsaid composition or may differ in from one another in composition matteror method of composing, resulting in either identical plates, plates ofthe same symbols but differently arranged, or plates of entirelydifferent composition.

Reference is made to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 detailing second means 40, whichis a font matrix subsystem. Subsystem. Subsystem 40 is comprised of alens composite 33 comprising a plurality of lenses 32a, 32b, 32, and32d, font means 41 containing a plurality of said 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42dsymbols, said plurality of symbols corresponding to a respectiveplurality of said plurality of lenses, and a sensing matrix 51comprising a plurality of sensors 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, said pluralityof sensors corresponding to a respective plurality of the plurality ofsymbols.

The lens composite may have an optically transparent background 35 ormay include the plurality of lenses in integral form such as a flys eyelens. The font means 41 will generally have an opaque background 43, andthe background of the symbols proper will also be opaque, so as totransmit light only through the symbols proper. The sensing matrixbackground 53 may be either transparent or opaque. Since the sensorsthereof are generally of a photoresponsive material such as cadmiumsulfide or the like, it does not really matter whether background 53 isopaque or transparent.

It is noted, that although only four symbols are illustrated forsimplicity of illustration, it is obvious that actually a font matrix ofsymbols and corresponding lens sensor means will handle upwards 100symbols.

Operational Relationships Reference is made to FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9for explanation of the method used which has the unique capability ofimaging all symbols of the font matrix simultaneously.

A single sweep or line is made by the moving beam of the flying spotscanner cathode ray tube 32. This sweep starts at point A, the spotmoving to point B horizontally across the face of tube 32 in a directiondenoted by arrow (A-B). Return trace of the swept line or blankingthereof is conventional to cathode ray oscilloscopy and is not discussedtherein.

Light from the spot at point A is viewed by the font matrix subsystem40, wherein specifically all the lens elements shown herein as lenselements 320 and 3212, all the symbols of the font matrix shown hereinas symbols 42a and 42b, and all the individual photodetector sensorsshown herein as sensors 52a and 52b are responsive to the spot of lightfrom point A. As this spot moves making trace (B) from point A to pointB, the above stated lens elements, symbols and sensors are responsive tothis motion due to imaging by all the lens elements of the moving beamsimultaneously. Consequently, lens element 32a, symbol 42a, and sensor520 will respond to beam motion (A-B) providing light motion imagedthereby and moving from point A to point B in a direction denoted by(A'-B). Similarly, lens element 32b, symbol 42b, and sensor 521) willrespond to beam motion (A-B) providing light motion imaged thereby andmoving from point A" to point B" in a direction denoted by (AB").

In terms of FIG. 6, the single line swept by beam motion (A-B) willresult in the sweep (A-B' across the symbol 42a between A, and B and thesweep (A"-B") across the symbol 42b between A," and 8,".

Although only one sweep of the cathode ray tube (A-B) is shown, forfurther explanation, sweeps at three different horizontal locations ofcathode ray scanner 32 are discussed.

Therefore the effect 'of sweep (A-B) resulted in the sweep at theuppermost location of the symbols to result in sweeps from A, to B andfrom A," to B,'.

Similarly, if a sweep of tube 32 occurred at the center thereof, symbol42a would be scanned between points A and B and symbol 42b betweenpoints A and B Also if a sweep of tube 32 occurred at the lower portionof the tube, symbol 42a would be scanned between points A and B andsymbol 42b would be scanned between points A3" and B3.

Hence, as the scan across symbols 42a and 42b occurred at its topmostlocation, light passing through the transparent portions of the symbolsare manifested and sensed as pulses, the width thereof beingproportioned to the time during the scan which light will passtherethrough. Therefore in FIG. 7 the width of the pulse outputted fromsensor 52a will be narrower than the width of the pulse outputted fromsensor 52b due to the scan time.

Similarly, in FIG. 8, a scan sweep across the center of symbol 42a willencounter two transparent portions thereon, and hence there will be twopulses outputted by sensor 52a, due to the scan occurring at the centerof scanner tube 32. By the same token a single pulse will result fromsensor 52b due to the sweep thereacross.

When the scanner tube sweeps across its lowest portion, the pulseoutputs of FIG. 9, show that single pulses will be outputted fromsensors 52a and 52b. In all cases the scan direction or time orientationof sensor output pulses are read from right to left in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

It is therefore obvious that not only is one symbol scanned when thecathode ray tube is scanned, but all symbols comprising the font matrixare scanned simultaneously, thereby enabling the computer as commandedto select any of the symbols desired in a predetermined order andcontrolled by the data and the computer routines.

Computer Programming the System Referring to FIGS. 1 and I0, thecomputer routine 12 for channel I is stated in table 2, and the computerroutine 22 for channel 2 is stated in table 3, below.

Computer routine read instructions for channel I are provided byinstruction 95, whereas computer routine read instructions for channel 2to be read into computer are provided by instructions 94.

Stored data of channel I comprising the composition to be provided ofthe symbols and initial symbol coordinates by virtue of relationship ofone symbol with respect to another is shown at 11 and computer readinstructions 97 provide the requisite command to read in the informationinto the computer. Likewise data of channel 2 comprising the compositionto be provided of the symbols and their initial symbol coordinates byvirtue of the relationship of one symbol with respect to another isshown at 21 and computer read instructions 96 provide the requisitecommand to read in the information into the computer.

Should manual input of data to the computer be desired, it isaccomplished by manual data keyboard 17 for channel I, and the commandto accept such manual keyboard input data is given by instruction 99.Similarly, the command to accept manual keyboard data from keyboard 27for channel 2 is given by routine instruction 98.

All input instructions, computer routines, stored data and such otherdata or instruction as is processed by the computer for either channelsI or 2 given by execution of instruction 100 which transfers data fromauxiliary storage sources or from manual or other inputs into thecentral core memory of the computer system used.

Computer instructions I01 and 102 are provided for channels 1 and 2respectively for setting the right and left margins of the column to becomposed. It is appreciated that the length of the line is given ininches to enable execution of these instructions. This action is knownas justification of right and left margins. It is understood thatinstruction I01 may be different from instruction 102 since a differentwidth of line may be desired. Since a different composition of words maybe required in channel 1 as compared to channel 2, the resultingcompositions may be difierent or if a multiplicity of the samecompositions are desired to be made simultaneously, the channel 1 and 2instructions will be the same.

data words for a line of the particular channel is sufficient tocomprise a full line. If the computer determines that there areinsufficient amount of words to comprise a line, it will demand thatmore words be read into the line by executing instructions 127 forchannel 1 and instructions 128 for channel 2. As a result of executionof these instructions, instruction 103 will be repeated for channel 1and 104 for channel 2. These instructions will be followed by aninterrogation of the computer by instructions 105 and/or 106 forchannels 1 and/or 2, as the case may be. If the interrogation, as aresult of execution of instructions 105 or 106 provides a Y E Sresponse, namely that there are sufficient words providing a full line,then instructions 107 and 108 will be respectively executed for channels1 and 2. Instructions 107 and 108 provide appropriate adjusting of thespacing between words of channels 1 and 2 respectively, so as to justifythe right and left hand margins thereof.

The computer is next interrogated by instructions 109 and 110 forchannels 1 and 2 respectively. This interrogation asks whether theparticular line just composed has been justified. If the answer is N O,the computer is instructed to go back to reexecute instruction 107 or108 respectively for channels 1 or 2. If the answer is YES Y E Sinstructions 111 and '112 for channels 1 and 2 respectively areexecuted. Instructions 111 and 112 asks the computer to recompute theX-Y coordinates of each symbol which has been repositioned from itsinitial input position in either of the channels.

Instructions 113 and 114 for channels 1 and 2 respectively are providedfor moving each symbol in accordance with the X-Y coordinates recomputedand remembering the new locations of each symbol so moved.

The computer is next interrogated with instructions 115 and 116 forchannels 1 and 2 respectively to inquire whether spacings between linesare equal to the length of the column to be composed as required. If theanswer is Y E S instructions 119 or 120 are executed for channels 1 and2 respectively. Instructions 119 and 120 are executed for channels 1 and2 respectively. Instructions 119 and 120 provide for computation of thevertical positions of each line and for moving the lines according tothe computed positions and for memorizing such positions in the centralcore memory. If the answer to instructions 115 or 116 are N 0 theninstructions 117 or 118 for channels 1 or 2 are provided. Theseinstructions provide for adjusting the vertical spacing between thelines in each respective channel, either in a manner predetermined or toprovide equal spacing adjustment. Subsequent to execution ofinstructions 117 or 118, instructions 119 and 120 are then given ashereinabove stated and in the same manner as when the answer tointerrogation 115 or 116 was YES.

The computer is interrogated by use of instructions 121 or 122 forchannels 1 or 2 respectively. These instructions asks the computer todetermine if all channel data as stored or as desired to be inputtedinto the computer system, has been read. If the answer is NO theninstructions 129 or 130 are executed respectively for channels 1 or 2.These instructions provide for reading such additional data as may bestored in the core or in other auxiliary storage or input devices to beread into the core of the computer. It will now be necessary for thecomputer to re-execute all instructions for both channels 1 or 2,beginning with instruction 100 has hereinabove described until the logicsystem comprising the computer routines-reach and execute a Y E Sresponse in answer to command instructions 121 or 122.

When the YES instruction commands 121 or 122 have been accomplished,instructions 123 or 124 for channels 1 or 2 respectively will beprovided. These instructions are designed to transfer the composed datafrom the central memory of the computer and store it on an auxiliarytape storage means.

Upon execution of instructions 123 and 124, instructions 125 and 126 aregiven for channels 1 and 2 respectively. These instructions provide forautomatic display of the composed material consisting of the symbols andsuch other data as might have been composed on video display tube 82 forchannel 1 and video display tube 92 for channel 2 composition. Theseinstructions also provide for photographing or transfer of thecompositions from display 82 and 92 respectively to plate making means83 for channel 1 and plate making means 93 for channel 2. Thecomposition as displayed may then be photographed or opticallytransferred on permanent plates such as plates 83a and 83b which areinserted in plate making means 83, and plates 93a and 93b which areinserted within plate making means 93.

Once instructions 125 and 126 have been executed the computer system,and consequently the entire system for automation of symbols, isautomatically shut down as indicated by the S T O P instructions forboth channels 1 land 2.

TABLE 2 Channel 1 Computer Routine READ IN CHANNEL 1 DATA BY KEYBOARDINPUT READ IN CORE MEMORY OF COMPUTER SET LEFT AND RIGHT HAND MARGINSFOR CHANNEL 1 COMPUTE A LINE OF WORDS AND X-Y COORDINATES FOR EACHSYMBOL ARE DATA WORDS OF CHANNEL 1 SUFFICIENT FOR FULL LINE? ADJUSTSPACING BETWEEN WORDS OF CHANNEL 1 IS LINE OF CHANNEL 1 JUSTIFIED?RECOMPUTE X-Y COORDINATES OF EACH SYMBOL REPOSITIONED IN CHANNEL I MOVEEACH SYMBOL OF CHANNEL 1 ACCORDING TO RECOMPUTED X-Y COORDINATES ARELINE SPACINGS CHANNEL 1 LENGTH OF COLUMN CHANNEL 1? ADJUST VERTICALSPACING BETWEEN LINES CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 1 COMPUTE VERTICAL POSITION OFEACH LINE AND MOVE LINE ACCORDING TO COMPUTED POSITION HAS ALL CHANNEL 1DATA BEEN READ" STORE COMPOSITION ON TAPE STORAGE DISPLAY COMPOSITION OFCHANNEL 1 DATA AND PHOTOGRAPH DISPLAYED CHANNEL 1 COMPOSITION ONCOMPOSITE PLATE OR PLATES READ MORE WORDS IN LINE READ ADDITIONALCHANNEL 1 DATA IN CORE TABLE 3 Channel 2 Computer Routine 100 READ INCORE MEMORY OF COMPUTER 102 SET LEFT AND RIGHT HAND MARGINS FOR CHANNEL2 104 COMPUTE A LINE OF WORDS AND X-Y COORDINATES FOR EACH SYMBOL 106ARE DATA WORDS OF CHANNEL 2 SUFFICIENT FOR FULL LINE? 108 ADJUST SPACINGBETWEEN WORDS OF CHANNEL 2 109 IS LINE OF CHANNEL 2 JUSTIFIED? 112RECOMPUTE X-Y COORDINATES OF EACH SYMBOL POSITIONED IN CHANNEL 2 I14MOVE EACH SYMBOL OF CHANNEL 2 ACCORDING TO RECOMPUTED X-Y COORDINATESI16 ARE LINE SPACINGS CHANNEL 2 LENGTH OF COLUMN CHANNEL 2? I18 ADJUSTVERTICAL SPACING BETWEEN LINES CHANNEL 2 120 COMPUTE VERTICAL POSITIONOF' EACH LINE CHANNEL 2 AND MOVE LINE ACCORDING TO COMPUTED POSITION 122HAS ALL DATA CHANNEL 2 BEEN READ? 124 STORE COMPOSITION ON TAPE STORAGE126 DISPLAY COMPOSITION OF CHANNEL 2 DATA AND PHOTOGRAPH DISPLAYEDCHANNEL 2 COMPOSITION ON COMPOSITE PLATE OR PLATES I28 READ MORE WORDSIN LINE 130 READ ADDITIONAL CHANNEL 2 DATA IN CORE We claim:

I. In a system for composition of symbols, comprising in combination:

first means for scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously;second means responsive to said first means for imaging the scanning ofall said symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols; andthird means, in communication with said second means, comprising meansfor providing selection of the symbols individually in a predeterminedorder and means for displaying said symbols in predetermined locationsthereby enabling a preselected composition of said symbols. 2. Thesystem as stated in claim 1, including: at least one plate; and fourthmeans retaining said at least one plate therein in communication withsaid third means for permanently recording the composition on said atleast one plate. 3. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein said thirdmeans includes:

computer means; and data storage means in input relationship to saidcomputer means for storing symbol data in said computer means, saidcomputer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selectionmeans for automatically directing execution of the functions of thesystems. 4. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein: said first meansincludes:

video scan circuits; and a video scan tube; said third means includes:

video view circuit means; and video display tube means; andsynchronizing means connected to the video scan circuits and to thevideo view circuit means for synchronizing the scanning of the videoscan tube with the video display tube means. 5. The system as stated inclaim 4, wherein said second means comprises:

a lens composite comprising a plurality of lenses;

font means containing a plurality of said symbols, said plurality ofsymbols corresponding to a respective plurality of said plurality oflenses; and

a sensing matrix comprising a plurality of sensors, said plurality ofsensors corresponding to a respective plurality of the plurality ofsymbols.

6. The system as stated in claim 5, wherein said third means includes:

video display means; and

switch means comprising a plurality of switches and connected betweenthe sensing matrix and video display means for providing selectabilityof any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with the sequence ofactivation of any of the switches of said switch means.

7. The system as stated in claim 6, wherein said third means includes:

computer means; and

data storage means in input relationship to said computer means forstoring information in said computer means, said computer meansincluding symbol positioning means and symbol selection means.

8. The system as stated in claim 7:

said switch means being connected to said symbol selection means andbeing responsive to commands issued by said symbol selection means forselection of any of said symbols. I

9. The system as stated in claim 8, wherein said third means includes:

means for providing selection of at least one of the plurality ofsymbols; and

means for determining the proper symbol position of the preselectedcomposition of the symbols.

10. The system as stated in claim 9, including:

at least one plate; and

fourth means retaining said at least one plate therein in communicationwith said third means for permanently recording the preselectedcomposition on said at least one plate. I

11. The system as stated in claim 2, wherein:

said at least one plate is a plurality of plates; and

said fourth means is a plurality of plate making means for making saidplurality of plates.

12. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein:

said plurality of plates are identical in terms of said composition;

said plate making means enable said composition to be transferred onsaid plurality of plates.

13. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein:

each said plurality of plates has at least one said composition thereonwhich differs from another of the composition on at least another ofsaid plurality of plates; and

said plate making means enable the making of said plurality of plateswhich are difierent from each other in terms of said composition.

14. The system as stated in claim 1, including:

fifth means as an input to said third means for providing a manual inputof said symbols in a predetermined order, said third means providing thelocations of the symbols inputted from said fifth means for alsoenabling said preselected composition of said symbols.

15. In a system for composition of symbols, the steps of:

scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously;

imaging said symbols simultaneously;

preselecting any of the imaged symbols; I

positioning the preselected imaged symbols in a predetermined composedorder; and

displaying the composed symbols.

16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including the additional stepof:

transferring the display of the composed symbols.

1. In a system for composition of symbols, comprising in combination:first means for scanning a plurality of said symbols simultaneously;second means responsive to said first means for imaging the scanning ofall said symbols simultaneously and for sensing the scanned symbols; andthird means, in communication with said second means, comprising meansfor providing selection of the symbols individually in a predeterminedorder and means for displaying said symbols in predetermined locationsthereby enabling a preselected composition of said symbols.
 2. Thesystem as stated in claim 1, including: at least one plate; and fourthmeans retaining said at least one plate therein in communication withsaid third means for permanently recording the composition on said atleast one plate.
 3. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein said thirdmeans includes: computer means; and data storage means in inputrelationship to said computer means for storing symbol data in saidcomputer means, said computer means including symbol positioning meansand symbol selection means for Automatically directing execution of thefunctions of the systems.
 4. The system as stated in claim 1, wherein:said first means includes: video scan circuits; and a video scan tube;said third means includes: video view circuit means; and video displaytube means; and synchronizing means connected to the video scan circuitsand to the video view circuit means for synchronizing the scanning ofthe video scan tube with the video display tube means.
 5. The system asstated in claim 4, wherein said second means comprises: a lens compositecomprising a plurality of lenses; font means containing a plurality ofsaid symbols, said plurality of symbols corresponding to a respectiveplurality of said plurality of lenses; and a sensing matrix comprising aplurality of sensors, said plurality of sensors corresponding to arespective plurality of the plurality of symbols.
 6. The system asstated in claim 5, wherein said third means includes: video displaymeans; and switch means comprising a plurality of switches and connectedbetween the sensing matrix and video display means for providingselectability of any of said plurality of symbols in accordance with thesequence of activation of any of the switches of said switch means. 7.The system as stated in claim 6, wherein said third means includes:computer means; and data storage means in input relationship to saidcomputer means for storing information in said computer means, saidcomputer means including symbol positioning means and symbol selectionmeans.
 8. The system as stated in claim 7: said switch means beingconnected to said symbol selection means and being responsive tocommands issued by said symbol selection means for selection of any ofsaid symbols.
 9. The system as stated in claim 8, wherein said thirdmeans includes: means for providing selection of at least one of theplurality of symbols; and means for determining the proper symbolposition of the preselected composition of the symbols.
 10. The systemas stated in claim 9, including: at least one plate; and fourth meansretaining said at least one plate therein in communication with saidthird means for permanently recording the preselected composition onsaid at least one plate.
 11. The system as stated in claim 2, wherein:said at least one plate is a plurality of plates; and said fourth meansis a plurality of plate making means for making said plurality ofplates.
 12. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein: said plurality ofplates are identical in terms of said composition; said plate makingmeans enable said composition to be transferred on said plurality ofplates.
 13. The system as stated in claim 11, wherein: each saidplurality of plates has at least one said composition thereon whichdiffers from another of the composition on at least another of saidplurality of plates; and said plate making means enable the making ofsaid plurality of plates which are different from each other in terms ofsaid composition.
 14. The system as stated in claim 1, including: fifthmeans as an input to said third means for providing a manual input ofsaid symbols in a predetermined order, said third means providing thelocations of the symbols inputted from said fifth means for alsoenabling said preselected composition of said symbols.
 15. In a systemfor composition of symbols, the steps of: scanning a plurality of saidsymbols simultaneously; imaging said symbols simultaneously;preselecting any of the imaged symbols; positioning the preselectedimaged symbols in a predetermined composed order; and displaying thecomposed symbols.
 16. The method as set forth in claim 15, including theadditional step of: transferring the display of the composed symbols.